BRAG N Writes August 2012

According to the results of the BRAG 2012 rider survey, the city of Roswell was the favorite overnight town as well as the favorite campsite. Congratulations to the city of Roswell and Roswell High School for making the BRAG riders feel welcome and comfortable in their town and their high school! The BRAG staff would like to thank the riders who took the time to complete the survey and share their thoughts and comments with us.

Georgia BikeFest 2012

The 21st annual Georgia BikeFest will be held October 12 - 14, 2012. Come and enjoy the warm days and cool evenings of Georgia in October. Ride the scenic terrain of Muscogee, Chattahoochee, and Harris counties and surrounding areas. This will be the second year Georgia BikeFest has been held in Columbus, GA. The town is looking forward to our visit and planning entertainment activities for Friday and Saturday evenings. Georgia BikeFest is an opportunity to rekindle BRAG friendships and enjoy the fellowship of other cyclists.

Make plans to register now before the late fee begins September 29, 2012. Register with mail-in paper registration, or you may register with a credit card online. There are no additional fees for registering with a credit card.

This year's ride headquarters will be located in downtown Columbus at Woodruff Park, located next to the Chattahoochee River and the Riverwalk Path. Uptown restaurants are a block away. Routes have various mileage options each day with a fully-supported new Century Ride on Saturday, in Georgia!

Plan to ride the Century Ride on Saturday and receive the coveted Georgia BikeFest Century Ride Bandanna. We will also give out the 2012 BRAG Centurion Club hats to those riders who rode the three BRAG Century Rides this year.

Friday, October 12 - Sweet Home Alabama Ride - 49/23/12 mile options
Saturday, October 13 - Tour de Muscogee & Harris Century Ride - 100/62/40/22 mile options
Sunday, October 14 - The Hooah Ride - 50/41/28/16 mile options

The various route options will ensure that there's a ride suited just for you each day. While riding, you'll benefit from the Ride on Bikes bicycle repair vehicle and BRAG sag wagons patrolling the route, as well as the famous BRAG rest stops located every 10 to 20 miles along the ride. Rest stop volunteers will be benefiting the Children's Miracle Network. Rest stops will be stocked with water, PowerAde, bananas, apples, pears, fig bars, cookies, PBJs, pickles, and various snacks. And one rest stop each day will have delicious homemade pimento cheese sandwiches. Once you're through riding, take a hot shower in the shower trailer and get ready for the afternoon and evening fun in downtown Columbus which is two blocks away from BRAG HQ. Enjoy the cool fall weather for outdoor camping or go to one of the local motels as you rest up for another exciting day of Georgia BikeFest! There is NO indoor camping this year on Georgia BikeFest.

When Does it Start?

Registration will open Thursday evening, October 11, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and at 6:30 a.m. on Friday through Sunday. At on site registration, you will receive your maps and route descriptions, obligatory wristband, local goodies, and optional long sleeved t shirt or sweatshirt. All BRAG rides are show and go; however, there will be a First Timers' Ride Meeting each morning at 8 a.m. at HQ. BRAG Registration / HQ will close at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Camping - Outdoors Only

All camping for the weekend will be at Woodruff Park next to the Chattahoochee River and Riverwalk near Uptown Columbus. No electrical or other hookups will be available. RVs and campers will park in a designated parking lot near BRAG HQ. You may camp outside Thursday night, October 11. HQ and all facilities will close at 3 p.m. on Sunday, or sooner if all riders are in..

What's Included in the Fee?

Outdoor camping for three nights (Thursday-Saturday)
Shower truck and trailer
Maps, Route Descriptions, Altitude Graphs
Fabulous BRAG Rest Stops, featuring PBJs and Pimento Cheese sandwiches, and benefiting Children's Miracle Network.
Porta-potties at all rest stops
Campfires with S'Mores Friday & Saturday nights
Football/Baseball on Big-Screen TV at the Loft on Broadway
Optional sagged and supported Georgia Century Ride on Saturday
First Timers' Ride Meetings
BRAGster Dragster tricycle races at Ride on Bikes
Music and other entertainment will be provided on Broadway in Uptown Columbus.
The Fat Tire Happy Hour Friday & Saturday afternoons at The Loft, featuring Fat Tire Beer.

What's Extra?

Meals and motels. BRAG t-shirts and sweatshirts are optional.

Non-Riders

Non-riders are welcomed. Registration fees for non-riding family members and friends are half of the regular registration price. This ½ price does not apply to t-shirts, sweatshirts, or late fees. Non riders will receive the same maps, use of facilities, etc. as the riders. Admittance to the campsite, rest stops, parties, and all Georgia BikeFest events is limited to paid registrants.

Highlights

Here are some highlights of the 2012 Georgia BikeFest.

Café Campesino will be back for Georgia Bikefest. Ask for the BRAG Brew.
New Century Ride on Saturday in Georgia.
Variety of snacks and cookies at the rest stops, featuring PBJs at all rest stops and Pimento Cheese Sandwiches at one lucky rest stop each day.
Rest stops will be staffed by local volunteers.
The Fat Tire Happy Hour Friday & Saturday afternoons.
On Site Registration will open early (6:30am)and stay open late (6:00pm).
Porta Potties at all rest stops.
Free Georgia BikeFest Century Ride bandannas for first 100 Century Riders.
Centurion Hats given to those who rode all three BRAG century rides in 2012.

Schedule of Events

Plan to start riding between 7:30am - 8:00am so that the rest stops will be open.

Thursday, October 11
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm	BRAG HQ open for registration.
Friday, October 12
6:00 am	Café Campesino open on site, gourmet coffee.
6:30 am - 6:00 pm	BRAG HQ open for registration.
7:30 am - 5:00 pm	Daylight at 7:30 am. Bicycle routes open. Check route descriptions for times that rest stops are open. All BRAG rides are "Show and Go."
8:00 am	Beginners/First Timers ride meeting and start at HQ
Afternoon	Baseball or football on TV at The Loft
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	The Fat Tire Happy Hour at The Loft Upstairs in Uptown Columbus.
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm	The River City Horns Band in Uptown Columbus.
8:00 pm	Campfire with marshmallows and S'mores near HQ. Bring your lawn chair and coat hanger.
8:00 pm	Football and/or baseball on TV at The Loft
Saturday, October 13
6:00 am	Café Campesino open on site, gourmet coffee.
6:30 am - 5:00 pm	BRAG HQ open for registration.
7:30 am - 5:00 pm	Daylight at 7:30 am. Bicycle routes open. Check route description for times that rest stops are open. All BRAG rides are "Show and Go."
8:00 am	Beginners/First Timers ride meeting and start at HQ
1:00 pm - 10:00 pm	SEC/ACC football games on TV at The Loft.
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm	The Fat Tire Happy Hour at The Loft Upstairs in Uptown Columbus.
8:00 pm	Campfire with marshmallows and S'mores near HQ. Bring your lawn chair and coat hanger.
Sunday, October 14
6:00 am	Café Campesino open on site, gourmet coffee.
6:30 am	BRAG HQ open for registration.
7:30 am - 3:00 pm	Daylight at 7:30 am. Bicycle routes open. Check route description for times that rest stops are open. All BRAG rides are "Show and Go."
8:00 am	Beginners/First Timers ride meeting and start at HQ
3:00 pm	BRAG HQ closes, earlier if all riders are in. Sag wagon support stops. Please plan accordingly.

All events and times are subject to change.

Riders will also have the opportunity to enjoy Columbus' Uptown Beer and Wine Festival on Saturday, October 13, from 1:00pm - 5:00pm. The Festival will be held at The Tap Courtyard uptown. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Hurst at ehurst@uptowncolumbusga.com

TreesColumbus is sponsoring Out on a Limb for Trees on Saturday, October 13, in uptown Columbus. Tree climbing is an activity consisting of ascending and moving about in a crown of trees. Provided equipment includes rope, helmet, and harness. Visit www.treeclimbingusa.com for more information.

Directions to the Start/Finish

Georgia BikeFest will take place at Woodruff Park, 946 Bay Ave., Columbus, GA 31901. Columbus is located in Southwest Georgia on the Chattahoochee River bordering Alabama.

Columbus is about 130 miles southwest of Atlanta and takes about 2-1/2 hours to drive. From Atlanta take I-85 South. After crossing I-285 on the South side of Atlanta, continue on I-85 South for 40 miles.

Take Exit 21 to the right onto I-185 South toward Columbus. Continue on I-185 South for 40 miles.

Take Exit 10 to the right, Downtown Columbus, Phenix City ALA/Macon, US 80/GA 22 exit. Then bear to the right again onto US 80 West/GA 22 West/Phenix City ALA exit. Continue on US 80 West for 3 miles. Take Exit 1 to the right, To GA 85/To GA 22 Conn/Downtown Columbus Exit. Road becomes 2nd Av/GA 85 South.

Continue on 2nd Av. for 3.3 miles. Then turn Right onto 12th Street at a Traffic Light. Go two blocks and turn Left onto Broadway at the second Traffic Light. After .2 mile, Ride On Bikes bicycle store is on the Left. Turn Right onto 10th Street at a Traffic Light. Then,

CARS: Continue Straight at Front Avenue. Turn Right onto Bay Av. (unsigned). BRAG HQ is in the second building on the right. Tent camping is in the park on your left. CAR parking is in the parking lot on your right next to BRAG HQ. RV/Camper parking is located in a lot across Dillingham St.

RVS & CAMPERS: Turn Left on Front Avenue. Go one block and turn Right on Dillingham St. Go one block and turn Left on Bay Av. The RV parking lot is One Arsenal Place on the right.

Upcoming BRAG Events - Mark Your Calendars Now

The 4th annual WinterRide will be held in St. Marys, GA, February 26 - March 3, 2013. You will have the opportunity to cycle, hike, and kayak or canoe. Come join us for the fun.

The 20th annual Spring Tune-Up Ride will again be held in Madison, GA, April 5 -7, 2013. Tent camping will be at Heritage Park again. Plan to ride with us after the long winter break.

The 34th Annual BRAG will be June 1 - 8, 2013. Make plans to attend now. Register at the Early Bird Rate by December 31, 2012 to avoid a price increase.

Team BRAG will be going to RAGBRAI next summer. Mark your calendar now for Friday, July 19, 2013, through Sunday, July 28, 2013.

Shaking the Blues Cruise

Join Bicycle South and the Southern Bicycle League on Monday nights at 6:30 as they team up to form the first ride of the "I BIKE Decatur" chapter of the Southern Bicycle League. Designed with minimal hills and stops, this is really a great cruise through sections of Decatur, Emory, Atlanta, Kirkwood and Avondale Estates. The first mile is the Paul Taylor remembrance section. This ride has tremendous character and is 20 miles and no drop. Meet at Bicycle South, 2098 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur, GA, which is at the intersection of Clairmont and N. Decatur Rd. For more information, please contact Bicycle South or Walt and Joanne Massey at wallycom@comcast.net or 404-375-6789. Helmets required. We'll meet afterwards for dinner at a local restaurant.

Visit our ride calendar at www.bikesbl.org. We have a ride for just for you.

Johnny Ray Century Ride

The East Alabama Cycling Club presents the 9th annual Johnny Ray Century Ride, Saturday, September 29, 2012, in Opelika, AL. The ride benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's. Mass start at 8:00am. Various mileage options available. Visit Johnny Ray Century online for details.

Inaugural Burnt Mountain Bicycle Ride

The first Burnt Mountain Bicycle Ride will be held in Jasper, GA, Sunday, October 7, 2012. The ride will begin at the Pickens County Community Center. Various mileage options are available and all routes go up Burnt Mountain. This ride is in conjunction with the Georgia Marble Festival, October 6-7. For more information, visit http://www.georgiamarblefestival.com/bikeride.htm.

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle's Century Ride

Join the Lt. Governor for a SAG supported ride, Saturday, October 20, 2012. The ride benefits the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Scholarship program, and the ride will begin and end at Chestnut Mt. Church. There are 5 mileage options to choose from. For registration information, visit http://www.active.com/cycling/flowery-branch-ga/lt-governor-casey-cagles-charity-ride-2012.

SBL North Florida Tour

The 31st annual North Florida Tour will be November 2 - 4, 2012, at Cherry Lake in Madison, FL. Come and experience the old Florida! Our pastimes are bicycling, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, shopping, dining, and dancing in scenic, laid back, historic Northern Florida. North Florida Tours offers the adventurous types a totally relaxing experience away from the day-to-day hustle & bustle of city life. Visit http://www.northfloridatours.com/ for detailed information.

Connect With BRAG

BRAG has a Facebook page. Get in on the action now. Join other cycling enthusiasts and veteran BRAG riders as they discuss the upcoming BRAG events. See what you have been missing by not riding BRAG.

Click here to go to THE BRAG Page on Facebook.
If these links do not work for you, please log onto Facebook and search for "Bicycle Ride Across Georgia."

Questions? Please contact us at news@brag.org or 770-498-5153